Vanuatu Travel Guide is a book that provides information about the archipelago of Vanuatu. The archipelago is composed of about 80 small islands that span 1,350 miles. The archipelago was made up of the previously tropical Vanuatu Islands which is now the more temperate Vanuatu Island Group. The islands provide harborside diving in wrecks like the WWII-era SS President Coolidge, underwater caverns and coral reefs for snorkeling, and the island of Efate has the capital, Port Vila.
The island paradise prides itself on its beaches. However, they are not the cleanest or the nicest beaches in the world. In fact, some of the most pristine beaches are located on Vanuatu. These pristine, and volcanic-heated beaches have some of the best snorkeling, diving and surfing in the world. You can choose to explore the crystal blue waters of the Gulf of Vanuatu or simply float on your back in the turquoise water while you enjoy the gentle motion of the waves. The island's perfect climate allows you to enjoy your holiday with full pleasure from the beautiful sunsets to the warm nights.
Exploring the islands of Vanuatu, however, requires you to be prepared for the heat as well as for the long months at a stretch of rough weather. The main island of Efate, for instance, is a popular tourist destination because of its wonderful beaches, clean water and white sand. It's home to some of the best beaches in Vanuatu as well as plenty of budget resorts, hotels and accommodation options. The resorts of Efate are a good choice for families as there are enough activities to keep them occupied during the day as well as offer an opportunity to relax after a busy day.
For those interested in visiting Vanuatu but would prefer to stay closer to home, you'll find that it's perfectly possible to visit the island's capital Port Vaitape. Here, you'll find a number of excellent resorts and cheap hotels that offer a unique blend of tropical and sandy beaches. While here, you should also take the time to explore the nearby islands of Tafea, Grande Rivere and Grande Cove as well as other minor islands such as Akaroa and accompanying Islands. This will give you a complete tour of Vanuatu, which will leave you feeling spoiled for choice when it comes to deciding where you want to stay!
If you're interested in enjoying the serene and pristine waters of Vanuatu's rural west coast, you may wish to choose to visit Faya and Samoa. There are plenty of resorts here for those who are seeking true Vanuatu holidays, with resorts in Samoa situated next to those in Faya. In order to experience the true magnificence of Vanuatu, take the time to sample its beaches in their full glory. Take a four-day trip to Akaroa, which is situated on the east coast of Vanuatu. Within easy access from Tanna and Fiji, this charming resort destination is ideal for families and couples alike.
For those looking for a more active experience, you can head further west to explore the islands surrounding Vanuatu's main island. Among the most popular tourist destinations in Vanuatu are Cook Islands and Easter Islands, which are only a short flight away from Vanuatu. The resorts in Cook Islands provide the perfect base from which to explore the remote and untouched wilderness of Vanuatu's awe-inspiring scenery. Cook is home to both local and international tourists, who flock to Cook Island and its surrounding waters in search of amazing scenery and the peace and calm that only a pristine waterway can provide. The island is also known for its caves, which are home to a variety of indigenous fauna and flora.
One of the island's main attractions, however, is its volcano, Vaitape. This active volcano sends lava into the ocean every day, creating magnificent underwater scenery. Surrounded by three large islands, including a large number of Vanuatu islands, Vaitape is one of the most photographed places in the entire world. Surrounded by waters, Cook Islands is home to countless dive sites, including one particular dive site that has made the rounds of the internet: Vaitape Caves. Other volcanic activities to consider include snorkeling and whale watching.
On your Vanuatu travel route, you will have opportunities to explore and enjoy other unique islands in Vanuatu like Willemstad. Vanuatu's second largest island, this island is also home to a number of surf beaches and resorts. The surrounding coral reef is filled with rare species of coral and numerous different types of fish. If you are looking to find an exciting place to dive, or simply want to go snorkeling or whale watching, you will not be disappointed by Willemstad.
Up to date information for vaccinations before you travel to Vanuatu are available from the NHS Fit for Travel website.
Review the latest FCDO Travel Advice before travelling to or from Vanuatu
Thanks to Vanuatu's beautiful tropical climate, the weather is generally good all year round, however conditions are at their best from April to October when temperatures are a comfortable 18°C to 28°C.
You do not need a visa to visit Vanuatu. British passport holders are normally given permission to enter and remain in the country for up to 30 days on arrival. You must be in possession of an onward or return ticket.
See which forms you may need for entry into Vanuatu.
The official currency of Vanuatu is the Vanuatu Vatu (VUV). If you're looking to transfer or spend money in Vanuatu you can grab amazing Vanuatu Vatu deals via Wise.com (GBP to VUV).
Due to the relative youth and isolation of the islands, the only native land mammals are 12 species of bat (including four species of flying fox). Only one of these – the white flying fox – is endemic. Cats, dogs, cattle, horses, pigs and goats were all introduced to Vanuatu.
Bislama food? Laplap (sometimes spelled lap lap) is the national dish of Vanuatu. Laplap is prepared by grating breadfruit, bananas, taro or yam roots into a vegetable paste. The paste is then wrapped in banana leaves and cooked in an underground stone oven, with fresh coconut cream.
You can typically expect to pay around £2.60p for an equivalent pint of lager or beer.
Bislama is the most spoken in Vanuatu, followed by English, and lastly French. You can learn some basic Bislama before you travel to Vanuatu and really impress the locals!
The currency in Vanuatu is the Vanuatu Vatu (Tipping is not encouraged in Vanuatu.).